Understanding Plate Tectonics and Fossils 1.16.2025

Where would you find the oldest rocks on the islands formed from a hot spot?

• At the location closest to the hot spot

• At the location farthest from the hot spot

• At the location with the most volcanic activity

• At the location with the youngest rocks

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

If the direction of the plate movement is from the youngest rocks towards the oldest rocks, how would you describe the direction of the plate movement using a compass rose?

• North West

• South East

• East

• West

What can you infer about the trilobite and brittle star fossils found in the same rock layer?

• They likely lived at the same time.

• They are likely closely related.

• They likely lived in different habitats.

• They are likely younger than the rock layer.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

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Trilobite fossils were found in rock layers on two different continents. What can you infer about those rock layers?

• The rock layers are the same material.

• The rock layers are likely the same age.

• The rock layers formed at different times.

• The rock layers formed in similar environments.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

How does the superposition principle help geologists determine the relative age of rocks?

• By identifying the chemical composition of rocks

• By comparing the size of fossils found in the rocks

• By stating that the oldest layers are at the bottom in undisturbed rock layers

• By measuring the temperature of the rock layers

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What evidence did Alfred Wegener use to support his hypothesis of continental drift?

• The presence of similar animal species on different continents

• The discovery of oil deposits in various continents

• The similarities of mountain ranges and fossils on different continents

• The differences in climate between continents

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

How did the discovery of mid-ocean ridges contribute to the theory of plate tectonics?

• It showed that the ocean floor is static and unchanging.

• It provided evidence that the seafloor is spreading.

• It indicated that continents are shrinking.

• It proved that the Earth's core is cooling.

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What role did Mary Tharp play in advancing the understanding of plate tectonics?

• She discovered the process of continental drift.

• She mapped the seafloor and identified rift valleys.

• She developed the superposition principle.

• She proposed the existence of Pangaea.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Why was Wegener's hypothesis of continental drift initially rejected by the scientific community?

• He lacked evidence of similar fossils on different continents.

• He could not explain how the continents moved.

• He did not publish his findings.

• He focused only on the climate differences between continents.

How does the theory of plate tectonics explain the occurrence of earthquakes?

• Earthquakes occur due to the cooling of the Earth's core.

• Earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates along plate boundaries.

• Earthquakes are a result of volcanic eruptions.

• Earthquakes happen when the Earth's magnetic field changes.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

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